Seven Operators Form Gaming Association
Sportsbook Giants Team Up to Promote Responsible Gambling
Competition in the U.S. sports betting scene is fierce, but the sportsbooks have shown a willingness to work together at times. That’s the case once again as they’ve worked together on the creation of a trade association to advance responsible gaming. Any time seven operators form gaming association together it is big news. This will see the companies sharing data on problem gamblers, which typically doesn’t happen. The sportsbooks that formed the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) include BetMGM, bet365, DraftKings, Fanatics Betting and Gaming, FanDuel, Hard Rock Digital and PENN Entertainment (ESPN Bet). One of those is typically considered the best online sportsbook, so most of the industry giants are involved.
When seven operators form gaming association it’s going to take money. The seven have pledged $20 million to help ROGA in its first year.
Leading the association will be Dr. Jennifer Shatley. She has more than 25 years of experience in the responsible gaming field. Shatley will become the full-time executive director of ROGA. She currently serves as president of the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, among other duties.
“I am humbled, honored, and excited to be selected to lead ROGA during this important period of growth in legalized mobile gaming,” Dr. Shatley said. “Many of America’s largest legal mobile gaming operators will be establishing a framework that helps to aid in responsible gaming education and awareness. Together, our members will work alongside researchers, experts, regulators, and stakeholders to promote responsible online gaming and maximize our efforts to support additional responsible gaming education and awareness.” Dr, Shatley
Mission For the Association
The organization has five specific areas it will work in. While sports gambling is a key target area, other online betting is included. The five areas are:
Research: ROGA will advocate for and fund independent research into gaming issues. These include the effectiveness of responsible gaming measures and their impact on the operators.
Promoting Best Responsible Gaming Measures: The association will advocate for responsible gaming best practices that can be utilized across the industry.
Consumer and Industry Responsible Gaming Education and Awareness: ROGA’s goal is to promote responsible gaming practices to both bettors and operators. One goal is to “encourage responsible advertising and marketing practices within the industry.”
Independent Data Clearinghouse: Working with the member operators, ROGA will create a database for information sharing regarding the industry-wide protection of consumers. This will be done through an independent clearinghouse.
Independent Certification Program: The association will create a certification program to judge members’ responsible gaming practices. This allows for an independent evaluation of the operators and their responsible gaming practices.
Seven operators form gaming association is something the industry needs to do. It’s important for gambling operators to make a show of trying to combat problem gaming. If the operators aren’t going to tackle it, the government could, but that’s something nobody wants. Government oversight is seldom a good thing for any industry, but the potential is there. The operators want to keep the status quo. That means players having fun with their sports betting tips or online casino games.
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